Textbook-Integrated Guide to Educational Resources

TIGER

How We Teach Molecular Structure to FreshmenMichael O. HurstExamination of how textbooks discuss various aspects of molecular structure; conclusion that much of general chemistry is taught the way it is for historical and not pedagogical reasons.Hurst, Michael O. J. Chem. Educ.2002, 79, 763.

The Use of Molecular Modeling and VSEPR Theory in the Undergraduate Curriculum to Predict the Three-Dimensional Structure of MoleculesBrian W. Pfennig and Richard L. FrockDespite the simplicity and elegance of the VSEPR model, however, students often have difficulty visualizing the three-dimensional shapes of molecules and learning the more subtle features of the model, such as the bond length and bond angle deviations from ideal geometry that accompany the presence of lone pair or multiple bond domains or that result from differences in the electronegativity of the bonded atoms, partial charges and molecular dipole moments, and site preferences in the trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry. Pfennig, Brian W.; Frock, Richard L. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 1018.

Molecular Modeling |

Molecular Properties / Structure |

Covalent Bonding |

VSEPR Theory

Lewis Structures Are Models for Predicting Molecular Structure, Not Electronic StructureGordon H. PurserThis article argues against a close relationship between Lewis dot structures and electron structure obtained from quantum mechanical calculations. Lewis structures are a powerful tool for structure prediction, though they are classical models of bonding and do not predict electronic structure. Purser, Gordon H. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 1013.

Molecular Properties / Structure |

Covalent Bonding |

Computational Chemistry |

Quantum Chemistry |

MO Theory |

Learning Theories |

Lewis Structures |

Molecular Modeling

Hydrogen Bonds Involving Transition Metal Centers Acting As Proton AcceptorsAntonio MartínA short review of the most remarkable results which have recently reported M----H-X hydrogen bonds, along with a systematization of their structural and spectroscopic properties, is provided in this paper. These M----H interactions are substantially different from the "agostic" M----H ones, and their differences are commented on, setting up criteria that permit their clear differentiation in order to avoid some of the misidentifications that occurred in the past. Tello, Antonio Martín. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 578.

The Role of Electrostatic Effects in Organic ChemistryKenneth B. WibergElectrostatic effects on the properties of organic compounds are reviewed to demonstrate the importance of electronegativity differences between the atoms forming a bond. Bond dissociation energies are generally found to increase as the electronegativity difference increases, and the bonds have increased ionic character. Wiberg, Kenneth B. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 1089.

A colorful demonstration to simulate orbital hybridizationEmerson, David W.A simple, colorful demonstration involving nothing more than several beakers of colored water can speed up student comprehension of hybrid orbitals at the introductory level.Emerson, David W. J. Chem. Educ.1988, 65, 454.

Stable gaseous species at high temperaturesSiegel, BernardPresents a systematic correlation of the bonding in the gaseous elements with the strengths of their respective bonds.Siegel, Bernard J. Chem. Educ.1963, 40, 304.